A revised and updated edition (with more than 70% new material) of the classic book about innate differences between boys and girls and how best to parent and teach girls and boys successfully, with new chapters on sexual orientation and on transgender and intersex kids.

Back in 2005, the first edition of Why Gender Matters broke ground in illuminating the differences between boys and girls—how they perceive the world differently, how they learn differently, how they process emotions and take risks differently. Dr. Sax argued that in failing to recognize these hardwired differences between boys and girls, we ended up reinforcing damaging stereotypes, medicalizing misbehavior, and failing to help kids to reach their full potential. In the intervening decade, the world has changed, with an avalanche of new research which supports, deepens, and expands Dr. Sax’s work. This revised and updated edition includes new findings about how boys and girls interact differently with social media and video games; a new discussion of research on gender non-conforming, LGB, and transgender kids, new findings about how girls and boys see differently, hear differently, and even smell differently; and new material about the medicalization of misbehavior.

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Quotes & Awards

“Until recently, there have been two groups of people: those who argue sex differences are innate and should be embraced and those who insist that they are learned and should be eliminated by changing the environment. Sax is one of the few in the middle—convinced that boys and girls are innately different and that we must change the environment so differences don’t become limitations.”

Time

“Convincing…Psychologist and family physician Leonard Sax, using twenty years of published research, offers a guide to the growing mountain of evidence that girls and boys really are different…This extremely readable book also includes shrewd advice on discipline, and on helping youngsters avoid drugs and early sexual activity. Sax’s findings, insights, and provocative point of view should be of interest and help to many parents.”

New York Post

“Why Gender Matters is an instructive handbook for parents and teachers…to create ways to cope with the differences between boys and girls.”

Boston Globe

Listener Reviews

" Take what you will from this book. Much of the advice in here is fascinating and some of it true, based upon my own observations of my 2 boys and 1 daughter. However, some of the issues, like anomolous males, irked me. Sax suggests we, as parents, try to stop this behavior if it appears around the age of 3 (anomolous means: likes to play sports that aren't team oriented, associates with more females than males up until puberty--then it's the girls that pull away he says--and these males, supposedly, have a certain facial shape). To 'get rid' of this behaviour we are to force that child into competitive sports, which will in turn foster a better male/male friendship. This is one section that made me want to write him and ask: why does he want us to change our children from who they are? Yes, they will have a harder time when puberty hits and their female friends may move onto their girlfriend groups. Puberty is hard, our job is to be there for our child and provide them with the tools and morals to make it through middle and high school. Alive.
Also, the "Are you Feminine/Masculine" quiz was a joke! It's not masculine to read alot and you aren't feminine unless you know what the parts of a sewing machine are? Is Sax from the 1920s? Come on, grow up and be grateful for all the wonderful individuality that is out there!
I do agree learning styles are different for males and females and, as a preschool teacher, may even try to apply some of his thoughts. His chapter on sex and teens has spurred me to talk more with my kids, so these issues he talked about were beneficial.
This would be a great bookclub book and will definitely spur on some interesting, albeit heated, discussions! "

Megan | 2/14/2014

" I read this one on the recommendation of a speaker at the last homeschool convention I attended. The book discusses the differences in the male and female brains and the author draws some conclusions about the ramifications of those differences. I'm not sure what I feel about it. I think that the common trend for gender-sameness in public schools is problematic, especially for boys. (By "gender-sameness" I mean the idea that there are no physiological or chemical differences -besides the obvious glandular and hormonal ones- in boys and girls and how they learn best.) I'm not sure I would draw the same conclusions he does in some instances regarding what to do about those gender differences, especially in regard to those children he terms "anomalous." But the book makes for fascinating reading. "

Njesus | 1/10/2014

" The author, a family physician and psychologist, cites numerous studies and his own experience to support his assertions. There is so much food for thought in this book, all very interesting, some terrifying. I'm really glad I read this book, even if I didn't believe everything in it, and I plan to read his next one as well. It's worth reading even for those without children. Covers how we as a society raise and educate our children based on what we believe about gender and what common beliefs may or may not be accurate. "

Kendra | 12/23/2013

" I think this book is a must read for all parents. It is intimidating what our children are facing in the world today. This book helped me feel a little more prepared and helped me feel more capable of leading my children on the right path. "

Michelle | 8/1/2013

" Fascinating book about gender difference. I really enjoyed it! "

Lindsay | 6/29/2013

" Lots of food for thought and further research, although parts of the discipline chapter had me recoiling and ready to put the book down. "

Mary | 9/22/2012

" This book had a lot of good info that made sense to me. I've been citing things out of it to almost anyone I come across. That said, anyone can take a study and interpret it in a way that makes their point. I can't call Sax's info fact but it does make sense. "

DeAnn | 5/4/2012

" Incredibly interesting. Really made me evaluate how I teach and interact with my students. I heard Leonard Sax speak and he was great! "

Jenn | 4/17/2012

" Great read for parents and teachers of kids of all ages. "

Juliefrick | 3/25/2012

" This was a fascinating read, and very easy to get through. I've heard that some of Sax's research has been called into question, though from my experience teaching sixth graders for 12 years, I can say I was nodding my head through about 90% of it. A worthwhile read for any parent or teacher. "

Kami | 1/20/2012

" I can't say enough good things about this book. I found the reported research findings fascinating and enlightening. Also, I loved the practical advice for handling discipline. I think this should be a must read for anyone that works with or has children. "

Johanna | 11/24/2011

" I found it a valuable read, but had some very disturbing/mature chapters. "

Kelly | 10/23/2011

" I think every parent and teacher should read this book. I found it interesting and insightful. Enjoy "

Lindsay | 7/25/2011

" I probably shouldn't give this a rating as I flipped through and read selected portions. I picked it up from the library because I heard the author speak on a podcast and I liked what he had to say. It's due so I had to do a quick flip through of this and his other book. "

Laura | 5/12/2011

" I really liked this book also. I read it after Ronda recommended it to me and it helped me understand a lot of things with Sterling. "

Sarah | 5/2/2011

" Excellent! Very practical suggestions and facts for use in the classroom setting!
"

Angie | 4/27/2011

" Every educator and parent, (especially every parent-educator!) should read this book. It articulates the science behind common-sense, Biblical truth: "male and female He made them."
"

Grace | 3/16/2011

" This book is eye-opening and true. I wish every parent, teacher, anyone who interacts with children, would read this book.
"

Jennifer | 1/17/2011

" Another good book by Dr. Sax. I just picked the chapters that interested me and ignored others. But, the information is good and definitely important for parents to read.
"

Tricia | 1/15/2011

" Every teacher should be required to read this book.
"

Anna | 1/9/2011

" Excellent book! Easy to understand and helpful examples or situations are included. It offers good advice and biological insight into how children of both sexes have different needs. Both parents and teachers should really pick this book up and read it. It also makes for great discussion.
"

Lisa | 1/2/2011

" Very interesting. Wish I and my children's teachers had read this when they were in school.
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About the Author

Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D., is a practicing family physician, a PhD psychologist, and a speaker for community groups, schools, and professional organizations. His scholarly work has been published in a wide variety of journals including American Psychologist, Annals of Family Medicine, Behavioral Neuroscience, Environmental Health Perspectives, and the Journal of the American Medical Association. He has been a featured guest on CNN, PBS, The TODAY Show, Fox News, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation,” and many other national programs. He lives with his wife and daughter in suburban Philadelphia.

About the Narrator

Keith Sellon-Wright is an audiobook narrator and an actor with more than thirty years of experience in Hollywood. His television roles have included Frasier, Seinfeld, The West Wing, Mad Men, Parks and Recreation, Grey’s Anatomy, and Scandal. He also serves as a “voice of the New York Times,” narrating selected articles for their daily audio edition.

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